So, you’re ready to take the leap and get a new website. Yay! And you already know that you love the look and functionality of Showit. Double yay! BUT, now you’re not sure what to do next. Do you want a custom Showit website? Or would it be best to have a Showit template customized to your liking? Both are great options, but one may be better than the other for you and your business. Below, I’m breaking down the difference between a custom website vs. a Showit template customization and how to decide which is right for you.

Custom Website through Showit

I will admit, between a custom website and a Showit template customization, this is usually my choice for clients. However, I know that I need to remain as objective as possible here, so I’ll do my best! Haha.

The beauty of custom is that it is created for you and your business needs. From the ground up, we’ll build you something that is custom tailored to your aesthetic, your objectives and your overall vision. We work together to ensure the framework and flow is ideal for your customer’s experience and your business goal (be it a purchase or a completed contact form, we’ll identify this during your consult call and create a site around that).  

I do need to provide the caveat that a custom website experience is for you if you already have a solid brand foundation. Investing in a custom site won’t give you the WOW factor you desire if your brand doesn’t match. But don’t worry, If your branding needs a refresh, I’ll ever so gently let you know! 

My custom website’s are strategically created to flow with your business goals in mind to convert more visitors into clients.  

Custom Website Summary

The process to create a custom Showit website is usually 4-8 weeks. During this time, we’re working together to source the right imagery and create copy that compels your clients to convert.  I’m working on the framework and implementation.  It is an intensive process that usually requires some business soul searching, but the end result is so worth it! 

It’s the difference from a box of cookies and a warm, homemade chocolate chip cookie served up with a big glass of milk. Or in my world, the difference between a bag of store bought french fries baked in the oven and a piping hot plate of freshly cut, deep fried french fries with handmade ketchup.  Either is good, but one is so much more satisfying and memorable than the other! 

Showit Template Customization

This is for you if you don’t have the time or budget to do a full custom website design.  This is also a great option if you’re working on a condensed timeline (meaning 4 weeks or less). 

Before you can begin the customization process, you will need a template. If you have found a Showit template you love (or you have your eye on one) but don’t have the time or energy to complete your site yourself, bringing in assistance to customize it to your tastes is ideal.

One of the major advantages to using a template is that you can usually see how the site will look and function in advance. There are Showit templates that have been created for specific types of businesses (such as photography), so it makes it easier for you to picture your own business using the template. They already have a framework for number of pages and the layout has already been established, so you know just how many photos you’ll need and where to fill in the copy (aka text) gaps. 

Showit Template Summary

Using a template also helps you hone in on your overall aesthetic. A word of caution: You may even discover that not only are you in need of a new website, but you’re feeling pulled to refresh your branding as well!  There is no rule that says you can’t combine a custom and semi-custom option! Investing in professional, elevated branding is usually a critical step in the overall website design process. If your branding is flat, no template will satisfy you. I’ll dive into custom branding a bit more on my next post.  Below you can check out the most recent Showit website templates available from my template shop.

We will still go through my Website Experience process to give you the most impact with your template customization and make the template fit your business goals.

Also, contrary to some rumors, you are able to make your own edits post- launch to either a Showit custom or Showit template website!  I support my clients for three weeks after a launch, but I also equip them with the tools and guidance they need to make adjustments in the future.